ATSA Air Controller Trivia 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What transponder code should a pilot squawk if experiencing a radio communication failure?
- 7500
- 7600 (Correct answer)
- 7700
- 1200
Correct answer: 7600
Squawk 7600 is the universal code for radio communication failure, distinct from 7700 (general emergency) and 7500 (hijack).
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of the Final Approach Fix (FAF) on an instrument approach?
- The point where landing gear should be extended
- The point where final descent on an instrument approach begins (Correct answer)
- The missed approach point
- The decision altitude point
Correct answer: The point where final descent on an instrument approach begins
The FAF marks where the pilot begins the final descent segment of a non-precision instrument approach toward the runway.
Question 3: In ATC phraseology, what does 'verify' mean when issued as an instruction?
- Confirm that you have received my transmission
- Check and confirm the accuracy of the information given (Correct answer)
- Acknowledge and proceed
- Read back all instructions
Correct answer: Check and confirm the accuracy of the information given
'Verify' is used by controllers to request that pilots check and confirm specific information, such as altitude or routing.
Question 4: Which ATC facility is responsible for issuing IFR clearances to departing aircraft at airports without a tower?
- The nearest ARTCC only
- Flight Service Station or ARTCC clearance delivery (Correct answer)
- TRACON always handles clearances
- Pilots self-brief and depart without clearance
Correct answer: Flight Service Station or ARTCC clearance delivery
At non-towered airports, pilots call Flight Service or use a Clearance Delivery frequency provided by the controlling ARTCC to receive their IFR clearance.
Question 5: What is the standard VFR cruising altitude rule for aircraft flying on magnetic courses between 180° and 359°?
- Odd thousands plus 500 feet
- Even thousands plus 500 feet (Correct answer)
- Odd thousands MSL
- Even thousands MSL
Correct answer: Even thousands plus 500 feet
Under 14 CFR 91.159, VFR aircraft on magnetic courses 180°–359° must fly at even thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 4,500 or 6,500 feet).
Question 6: What does a solid white light from an airport light gun signal mean to an aircraft on the ground?
- Return for landing immediately
- Give way to other aircraft and continue circling
- Cleared to taxi (Correct answer)
- Stop
Correct answer: Cleared to taxi
A steady white light gun signal directed at a ground vehicle or aircraft means cleared to taxi (for aircraft on the ground).
Question 7: How many seconds of radar data are typically displayed in a primary radar target's 'history trail' on most ATC displays?
- 5–10 seconds
- 30–60 seconds
- 4–6 position updates (roughly 24–36 seconds at 4.7s scan) (Correct answer)
- 120 seconds
Correct answer: 4–6 position updates (roughly 24–36 seconds at 4.7s scan)
Most ATC radar systems display 4–6 historical position dots, representing about 24–36 seconds of track history based on the radar's rotation rate.
ATSA Air Controller Trivia 4
What transponder code should a pilot squawk if experiencing a radio communication failure?